This introductory text presents an overview of the liberal arts--literature, art, music, philosophy, and history--with a particular emphasis on literature. The unique selection of works from each culture provides students with a global understanding of the humanities.

Several pedagogical features of the Seventh Edition, such as chapter objectives, key terms, art images, and summary questions, help students understand the major concepts of the text. Each volume begins with a "Chronicle of Events" that provides a timetable of key events in world history. "Continuities" sections--which cover political life, religion, art, music, and writing--focus on the lasting contributions of each society.

New! More non-Western coverage includes a new section on Japan in Volume I; Western material has been scaled back to provide balanced coverage.

New! A special introduction to River-Valley Civilizations helps students see the connections between global societies.

New! Over one-third of the "Daily Lives" boxes, which highlight the everyday lives of people such as women and the working class, appear for the first time in this edition.

This introductory text presents an overview of the liberal arts--literature, art, music, philosophy, and history--with a particular emphasis on literature. The unique selection of works from each culture provides students with a global understanding of the humanities.

Several pedagogical features of the Seventh Edition, such as chapter objectives, key terms, art images, and summary questions, help students understand the major concepts of the text. Each volume begins with a "Chronicle of Events" that provides a timetable of key events in world history. "Continuities" sections--which cover political life, religion, art, music, and writing--focus on the lasting contributions of each society.

New! More non-Western coverage includes a new section on Japan in Volume I; Western material has been scaled back to provide balanced coverage.

New! A special introduction to River-Valley Civilizations helps students see the connections between global societies.

New! Over one-third of the "Daily Lives" boxes, which highlight the everyday lives of people such as women and the working class, appear for the first time in this edition.